Goodness, it has been since March that I blogged. Life has just been buzzing along though!
In March I took a position with the school district as a substitute special education aide. I have been wanting to work in the school system for as long as I can remember. It is the perfect job for a mom, and it is also just rewarding work. I ended up working a good bit and ending the last two months of school on a long term sub assignment at my own kids' school!! That was beyond fantastic for so many reasons. I mean, it was amazing to just come to school with my kids and I work and they work, then we go home together. However, what was even better was the experience of being a true part of the "team" at the school. I would say the only down side of subbing is that most of the jobs are short term so you don't necessarily get to know the staff or students. You're kind of just passing through. So when the principal of Aidan and Lily's school asked me to finish out the whole year, I was excited. I developed relationships with the teachers, I got to know the students, I felt like I was part of that team. It was really amazing. I actually miss it now!! :)
I learned through that experience, and through all my time at S.M.I.L.E.S, that my passion is children. Especially kids with special needs. I am inspired by courageous people, and fearless people, and people who are open and brave. I know no people who inspire me more that the children I meet in school and at S.M.I.L.E.S. They face so many challenges, the REAL kind, and they do it with grace, and positivity, and a joy that can not be described in words. The truly LIVE the life they have. It is beautiful and truly it makes ME want to be even more positive, and inspires me to work harder and do more, and give as much as I can to make their lives even better!
Currently I am applying for non sub 20 hour per week Special Education Aide jobs that are open here in the area. I would love to become a permanent part of a team so that I may work each day with the amazing educators and students that inspire me so much.
I think there is a point in everyone's life where they say, I must LIVE my passion. I want to live in such a way that I make a true impact on this world and the people who I meet. I am 38 years old. I am so grateful for the past year and a half because I made some changes that have allowed me to truly come into my own. I have found my passion and I am pursuing it relentlessly. I work hard, and I laugh hard, and I love hard, and I live fully. I couldn't ask for anything more at this stage of my life.
